As the air cools and the leaves begin to turn, I’m reminded of my favorite fall indulgence: Baked Apples in Puff Pastry with Salted Caramel. There’s something utterly enchanting about the aroma of warm apples baking with a sprinkle of spices that transports me to cozy family gatherings. This recipe combines the comforting essence of an apple pie, minus the fuss, making it perfect for those busy holiday moments. With just a handful of ingredients and under an hour, you’ll have a delightful dessert that not only impresses but is also a breeze to whip up. Each golden, flaky parcel warms the heart, leaving everyone craving that rich, gooey salted caramel drizzled on top. Ready to turn your kitchen into an autumn wonderland? Let’s get baking!
Why Are Baked Apples in Puff Pastry Amazing?
Irresistible Comfort: These Baked Apples bring the warm essence of fall right to your table, making them the perfect holiday dessert.
Effortless Baking: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning dish without the fuss of traditional pie-making.
Flaky Goodness: The puff pastry offers a delightful contrast to the tender apples, creating a textural masterpiece.
Gooey Caramel Delight: Drizzling with salted caramel transforms each bite into a sweet symphony of flavors that will leave guests wanting more.
Versatile Treat: Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dessert fits any occasion beautifully. Pair it with Banana Nut Baked for a cozy dessert night!
Baked Apples in Puff Pastry Ingredients
Indulge in a delightful dessert with these must-have ingredients!
For the Filling
• Granny Smith Apples – Their tartness beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of caramel, offering a burst of flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness and aids in caramelizing the apples for that perfect finish.
• Corn Starch – Thickens juices for a stable, gooey filling – a key element in your Baked Apples in Puff Pastry!
• Apple Pie Spice – A heavenly blend that elevates the natural apple flavor, but you can use regular cinnamon if needed.
• Salt – Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors beautifully.
• Caramel Candies – Choose high-quality ones for a rich, melty center that will wow your taste buds.
For the Pastry
• Puff Pastry – The star of this recipe! Its flaky, buttery texture creates a delightful contrast to the warm filling.
• Eggs – Essential for egg wash to achieve that golden-brown pastry sheen; flax eggs are a great vegan swap!
• Demerara Sugar – Sprinkled on top for a crunchy texture, adding that final touch to your pastries.
For the Drizzle
• Salted Caramel Sauce – The indulgent drizzle that makes this dessert irresistible; maple syrup is a simpler option if you prefer.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Apples in Puff Pastry
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking. This step is crucial as it leads to a perfectly crisp puff pastry. While the oven heats, gather your baking sheet, parchment paper, and a shallow dish to mix the filling ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine granulated sugar, corn starch, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavor. This sweet blend will coat the apple filling, enhancing your Baked Apples in Puff Pastry with a delightful sweetness and texture.
Step 3: Cut the Puff Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry and cut it into four equal rectangles, about six inches each. If the pastry is too thick, gently roll it out with a rolling pin to achieve a uniform thickness. This will create a sturdy yet flaky envelope for your apples once they’re wrapped.
Step 4: Coat the Apples
Take each peeled and cored Granny Smith apple, rolling it in your prepared sugar mixture. Ensure the apples are well-coated, as this adds sweetness and flavor to your Baked Apples in Puff Pastry. Place one apple directly in the center of each pastry rectangle for easy wrapping.
Step 5: Add Caramel Candies
For an indulgent touch, place three caramel candies inside the hollow of each apple. This will create a gooey center as the apples bake, making each bite bursting with flavor. This step is essential for achieving that delightful salted caramel sensation in your finished dessert.
Step 6: Wrap the Apples
Gently fold the puff pastry around each apple, pinching the seams tightly to seal in all the juices and flavor. Make sure to arrange the overlapping flaps decoratively around the apple to create a beautiful presentation. This will help ensure your Baked Apples in Puff Pastry look as great as they taste.
Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of water. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the wrapped pastries with the egg wash. This will give the pastry a golden-brown finish as it bakes, ensuring an appealing presentation that complements the flavor of the Baked Apples in Puff Pastry.
Step 8: Sprinkle Demerara Sugar
Sprinkle a bit of Demerara sugar over each wrapped pastry for added crunch and sweetness. This extra layer enhances the texture and flavor profile of the Baked Apples in Puff Pastry, creating a delightful contrast to the tender apples hidden inside.
Step 9: Freeze Before Baking
Place the pastries in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the pastry to firm up, preventing sagging during baking and ensuring a crisp texture. While they chill, clean up your workspace and prepare for the final baking step.
Step 10: Bake the Pastries
Transfer the frozen pastries to a lined baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to achieve that perfect golden color which signals the deliciousness of your Baked Apples in Puff Pastry.
Step 11: Cool and Drizzle
Once baked, carefully remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the caramel filling to settle. Just before serving, drizzle each pastry with warm salted caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence that is sure to impress!
Expert Tips for Baked Apples in Puff Pastry
• Apple Selection: Choose firm Granny Smith apples for a perfect balance of tartness and structure during baking. They hold their shape and enhance flavor.
• Roll It Right: When cutting puff pastry, ensure even thickness for consistent baking. Check for tears—patch them up gently to avoid leaks during baking.
• Perfect Caramel: Use quality caramel candies that melt smoothly. Avoid low-quality brands; the gooey center is crucial for an indulgent experience.
• Don’t Skip the Freeze: Freezing the wrapped pastries is essential. This step helps achieve that sought-after flaky texture and prevents sagging in the oven.
• Watch the Color: Keep an eye on your pastries while baking. They should be beautifully golden, which indicates a flaky crust and perfectly cooked apples inside.
• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your Baked Apples in Puff Pastry warm, drizzled with additional salted caramel to enhance every delicious bite!
What to Serve with Baked Apples in Puff Pastry
Create a delightful experience alongside your sweet treats with these perfect pairings!
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold contrast to warm pastries enhances sweetness and adds a delightful richness. A scoop or two on the side elevates the dessert experience.
-
Whipped Cream: A light, airy addition that complements the gooey caramel and balances the flavors beautifully. Drizzle with a touch of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
-
Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: This warm beverage harmonizes with the flavors of apple and spice, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for fall.
-
Nutty Granola: Sprinkle crunchy granola over your baked apples for a satisfying texture contrast. It adds a hint of nuttiness, making each bite memorable.
-
Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve extra salted caramel for drizzling or dipping. This indulgent addition ensures every morsel is rich and flavorful.
-
Chai Latte: The warming spices in chai echo the apple pie spice, creating a seamless blend of flavors. This comforting drink is perfect for cool evenings.
-
Salted Pistachios: Their crunchy texture and slightly salty flavor contrast beautifully with the sweet apples, enhancing the overall experience.
-
Crumbly Shortbread Cookies: Offer these buttery cookies on the side for a perfect pairing that adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture to your dessert table.
Let these accompaniments turn your Baked Apples in Puff Pastry into a feast both visually stunning and beautifully delicious!
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Apples in Puff Pastry are fantastic for meal prep and can definitely save you time during busy holiday seasons! You can prepare the pastries completely and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just wrap the apples in puff pastry, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with Demerara sugar, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to indulge, simply bake them straight from the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, adding a few extra minutes if they’re still cold. This method keeps everything just as delicious while allowing you to enjoy homemade dessert with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Baked Apples in Puff Pastry
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheating in the oven will help revive the flakiness of the puff pastry.
Freezer: You can freeze unbaked wrapped pastries for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To reheat, bake frozen pastries directly from the freezer for about 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This will yield a deliciously crispy texture.
Thawing: If you’ve frozen them unbaked, allow the wrapped pastries to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking for the best results with your Baked Apples in Puff Pastry.
Baked Apples in Puff Pastry Variations
Feel free to mix things up and make these Baked Apples truly your own – the possibilities are deliciously endless!
-
Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts inside the apples for a crunchy texture contrast. The added nuttiness beautifully enhances the warm, sweet interior.
-
Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in a pinch of ground ginger or allspice along with your apple pie spice for an exciting flavor boost. These spices can deepen the warmth, making each bite even more comforting.
-
Mini Versions: Use mini puff pastry rounds to wrap smaller apple slices for delightful individual servings. Perfect for parties or a fun family dessert night!
-
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the caramel candies for dairy-free chocolate or nut butter to craft a vegan option. This twist doesn’t compromise flavor, but adds a rich, creamy element.
-
Maple Sweetness: Drizzle with maple syrup instead of salted caramel for a light, buttery flavor. It infuses the dish with a different sweetness, perfect for those looking for a fresh take.
-
Fruit Fusion: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling. This adds a burst of fruit flavor and extra chewiness, perfect for a festive touch.
-
Coconut Crunch: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the puff pastry before baking for a tropical flair. The coconut adds both texture and an aromatic smell while baking.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an indulgent touch that elevates the dessert to a new level of luxuriousness. Chocolate and caramel together are a match made in heaven!
As you experiment with these variations, consider pairing your Baked Apples in Puff Pastry with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hearty slice of Healthy Blueberry Baked for an extra-special treat!
Baked Apples in Puff Pastry Recipe FAQs
What apples are best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are ideal for Baked Apples in Puff Pastry because their tartness combines beautifully with the sweetness of caramel, and they hold their shape during baking. If you prefer a sweeter apple, Fuji or Honeycrisp can also work well.
How should I store leftovers?
Great question! Any leftover Baked Apples in Puff Pastry should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven at a low temperature to revive their flaky texture.
Can I freeze Baked Apples in Puff Pastry?
Certainly! You can freeze the unbaked wrapped pastries for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To bake, just pop them straight into the oven from the freezer for about 30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until golden and delicious!
What should I do if my puff pastry tears while wrapping the apples?
Very simple! If your puff pastry tears during wrapping, don’t worry! Gently press the torn edges back together. If the tear is significant, you can cut a small piece from another part of the pastry and use it as a patch. Keeping the pastry cold while working with it can help avoid further issues.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Absolutely! It’s important to note that this recipe contains ingredients like sugar, caramel, and possibly nuts, which are not safe for pets, especially dogs and cats. Plus, anyone with allergies to gluten or these specific ingredients should consult the recipe or consider alternatives like gluten-free puff pastry. Always tailor your ingredients to ensure everyone’s safety!
Irresistible Baked Apples in Puff Pastry with Caramel Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar, corn starch, apple pie spice, and salt.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into four 6-inch rectangles.
- Coat each apple in the sugar mixture, then place it in the center of each pastry rectangle.
- Insert three caramel candies into the hollow of each apple.
- Wrap the puff pastry around each apple, sealing the seams tightly.
- Whisk eggs with a splash of water and brush the wrapped pastries with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle Demerara sugar over each wrapped pastry.
- Freeze the pastries for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake the pastries for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the pastries cool for 10 minutes and drizzle with salted caramel before serving.
Leave a Reply